Back Aft Models 1/700 USS Simon Lake AS-33 Submarine Tender model kit.

[Rhino]

My friend Carl Musselman, proprietor of Back Aft Models in Millard Nebraska and esteemed model ship builder, was working to create a 1/700 diorama of the US Navy submarine servicing vessels at Holy Loch, Scotland. See pictured here, Carl's LPP hull and an awful white versatile plastic 3D print of USS Simon Lake.
His 1/700 waterline and full-hull floating drydock and US Navy Boomer kits are complete. The missing link was the sub tender. Carl got a solid start on AS-33 USS Simon Lake. He didn't complete the Master for medical reasons that are none of anyone else's business. A "Nun Ya". He was pretty close!

Carl asked me to complete Back Aft Model's 1/700 USS Simon Lake Master. How could I refuse such an honor? I needed to make more headway on TLAR's USCG Reliance class WMEC kits, but I am excited about assisting as my own project goes forward. Carl retired last year. He's on the "31-day weekend", so he wasn't in any rush, which fit my production schedule perfektly! He provided a USB drive with his plans and references on it too.

The 644-foot hull measures 11 inches plus a whisker. Exactly on the money! She's too long for my little pressure pot, but Carl's is twice the size of mine. My plan is to finish the hull Master and mold box, deliver it to Carl, where he will make the hull mold and castings in his big pressure vessel, and TLAR Models will make all the smaller molds and parts for the final kit.
Back Aft/TLAR joint 1/700 waterline model Sub Tender kit! What fun this will be!!

Here's a bonus. USS Simon Lake and USS Canopus, AS-34 were "classmates". Either US Navy Sub Tender model could be built from this kit.

 

[Rhino]

We saw this diorama in progress at Carl's place last weekend.

 

[Rhino]

There is a "Tool Shed" on the helo deck of USS Simon Lake that stays in Holy Loch and transfers from tender to tender. I started this tonight.

 

[Rhino]

The "tool shed" is the 2-story structure that is sitting on the helicopter flight deck at the stern. Not truly a "shed" at all, but that's what sub and tender sailors called it.
Now, where's that digital caliper at?
1.1 inches square X .6 inches tall in 1/700 scale. less the ladder. It a snap!

 

[Rhino]

The Tool Shed progresses. Photos show a ladder and walkway to the upper level of the 2-story structure that is not repeated on the opposite side. The ladder will be P/E. The roof has a slight pitch so I think this one is accurate. Carl agrees, so I'm good!

We went to Milo last Saturday for Steak Night and singing. The Karaoke part of the night fell through, but we met a group of birthday celebrants from Oskaloosa. Among them was Begies DeGrius. (pronounced Bee-Gees De-Grease) A Machinist First class Petty Officer formerly of the USS Simon Lake. I told him about how Carl and I were in cahoots, working on a 1/700 scale model of his ship. He confirmed the Holy Loch sub base tool shed, but also stated they didn't have it when he was based off Italy's shore.

He told us several good sea stories! The "Shark for Supper" story was exceptional! Not very many people get excited about sub tender tales, or know that USS Simon Lake isn't named for a placid, land-locked, body of fresh water.

We had a fine time at Huston's without any karaoke. (The 12 ounce ribeye was Funking Outstanding!!)
"Where is Simon Lake" asked his friend Russell. Probably NOT the first time the query had been posed.
Oh! Hey Karren! Happy birthday one more time!

 

[Rhino]

Looking pretty good!

 

[moon puppy]

Nailed it I'd say.

 

[Gator]

Nice work.

 

[Rhino]

Here are a couple of Carl's pictures of ABSD-7 USS Los Alamos at Holy Loch, Scotland. Los Alamos is the drydock. USS Simon Lake is the sub tender. "Submarine tenders with BBQ dipping sauce" Carl Musselman.

 

[moon puppy]

What are we looking at here? That's a model right?

 

[Heavens Eagle]

It's a model Bob, with a very convincing real background.

 

[Rhino]

Yes. It is Carl's Back Aft 1/700 scale kit, that he built himself. The backdrop is Holy Loch, Scotland from the water.

 

[paddy]

some for rhino

 

[moon puppy]

Who's got the huge freakin thumb?!
Is that your work Paddy?

 

[paddy]

No i cant see things that small it was just a picture i came across and realized Rhino is not on his own in his shrunken world..

 

[Rhino]

Arrh, boy, there be Warlord Games vessels, methinks. They look to be a First rate, Second rate and a sturdy frigate. Froggies by the look of 'em.
Cleared for action and ready for a fight at anchor. Putcher cannon on the 74-gunner and the Frigate. The 2nd rate be blocked by her sisters. Blow the rudders off'en 'em. They be fish in a barrel. As yer guns bear maties, FIRE!

 

[moon puppy]

Arrh, boy, there be Warlord Games vessels, methinks. They look to be a First rate, Second rate and a sturdy frigate. Froggies by the look of 'em.
Cleared for action and ready for a fight at anchor. Putcher cannon on the 74-gunner and the Frigate. The 2nd rate be blocked by her sisters. Blow the rudders off'en 'em. They be fish in a barrel. As yer guns bear maties, FIRE!

Anyone catch any of these terribly nautical terms?

 

[Rhino]

No i cant see things that small it was just a picture i came across and realized Rhino is not on his own in his shrunken world..

This builder did fine work!
Warlord models are made with gaming in mind. Hulls are one part with metal gratings and boats to add. Overscale Masts, Yard arms and booms are white metal castings. Ratlines are printed on clear acetate and look very convincing when properly installed. Oversized flags and sails are printed on paper. These models have to be sturdy, as Gamers carry them to different gaming locations. Models, yes.

Remember when Wizkids made their "Pirates of..." color printed plastic card sailing ship models for tabletop gaming? Warlord Games kicked this idea up about 8 notches.

Henry Turner designed STL files for a great many other historical gaming vessels under sail for 3D printing. I have his 1/700 scale Bonhomme Richard, HMS Surprise and HMS Speedy, 2 of Thomas Cochrane's commands. All of these are accurate in length, beam and freeboard (From the waterline to the main deck for Bob) deck planking and fixed cannon are cartoonish, making them less than acceptable for modelers but dandy for gaming, in my humble opinion. They are still fun! Some things you buy, just because you love the stories.

 

[Rhino]

Anyone catch any of these terribly nautical terms?

This will help your knowledge of all things nautical! Prepare to be entertained and educated!

 

[paddy]

its seems i am to young to see that....